2025 Best Sociology Degrees in Illinois

If you’re looking to advance your sociology education in Illinois, you’re in luck. The state offers a variety of accredited, high-quality programs for aspiring sociologists, both online and on campus. Whether you’re interested in exploring social theory, research methods, or community engagement, there are schools in Illinois ready to support your next educational step. With online and hybrid options becoming more prevalent, finding the right program to meet your needs can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve ranked the best online and on-campus sociology programs in Illinois. Explore our top picks below:

Illinois offers a range of sociology degree levels to match different career and academic goals:

• Associate Degrees: Typically two-year programs that provide foundational knowledge and can be transferred to a bachelor’s degree program.
• Bachelor’s Degrees:
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA): Focuses on qualitative research, theory, and cultural studies.
  • Bachelor of Science (BS): Emphasizes quantitative research, data analysis, and applied sociology.
• Master’s Degrees: Advanced degrees that prepare students for leadership roles, research positions, or further doctoral studies.
• Doctoral Degrees: Suitable for research-intensive careers, academia, and leadership positions.

In addition to being able to take advantage of the wide variety of on-campus options for obtaining these degrees in Illinois, students living in the state can also take advantage of online degree opportunities from Universities throughout the United States. Online degrees provide high-quality learning opportunities and allow students to take advantage of living at home or continuing their careers while they earn their degrees. If you are seeking a degree not offered in your state, visit our degrees page to find the best online options.

For Illinois students looking to complete their degree quickly, accelerated programs and transfer credits can help you graduate sooner. Here are some of the fastest sociology degree options in Illinois:

School	Program	Length/Credits	Online Availability
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	BA in Sociology	3 years (accelerated)	Fully Online & On-Campus
Northern Illinois University	BA in Sociology	3–4 years (with transfer credits)	Fully Online
University of Illinois Chicago	BA in Sociology	3–4 years (accelerated option)	Fully Online & On-Campus

Accelerated programs often allow students to take more credits per semester or enroll in condensed summer courses to finish their degrees faster. Additionally, students can speed up their timelines by transferring credits from community colleges, prior coursework, or Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Many universities also offer credit for life or work experience, allowing non-traditional students to bypass certain requirements. Online programs often provide more flexibility with self-paced courses, enabling motivated learners to complete their degrees ahead of schedule. To make the most of these options, students should work closely with academic advisors to plan their course schedules effectively and take advantage of available resources.

For budget-conscious students, several universities in Illinois offer affordable sociology programs with competitive tuition rates. Here are some of the most affordable options:

School	Program	Tuition Range (Per Year)	Online Availability
Northern Illinois University	BA in Sociology	$8,000–$10,000	Fully Online & On-Campus
University of Illinois Chicago	BA in Sociology	$8,500–$10,500	Fully Online & On-Campus
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	BA in Sociology	$9,000–$11,000	Fully Online & On-Campus

These schools offer reasonable tuition rates along with financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. For Illinois residents, in-state tuition provides a significant cost advantage, making higher education more accessible. Additionally, many of these universities provide flexible payment plans to help students manage their expenses while pursuing their degrees. Online learning options can further reduce costs by eliminating commuting and housing expenses, which is ideal for working professionals or those with family commitments. Students are encouraged to explore institutional scholarships and grants specific to sociology majors to further lower their financial burden. By combining affordability with high-quality education, these programs ensure that students receive excellent value for their investment.

Illinois is home to a variety of excellent sociology programs that cater to diverse academic interests and career goals. Whether you’re seeking a traditional classroom experience or opportunities for hands-on learning, these universities offer outstanding options for sociology studies:

Northern Illinois University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sociology, covering topics like criminology, social inequality, and organizational studies. The program emphasizes research and hands-on learning.
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Eastern Illinois University: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with concentrations in criminology, social justice, and global studies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research, and experiential learning opportunities.
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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: Provides a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sociology, focusing on social research, inequality, and community development. The program includes internship opportunities to prepare students for the workforce.
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McKendree University: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus on understanding social behavior, institutions, and inequality. Students can gain real-world experience through internships and service-learning projects.
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Augustana College: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that combines theoretical and applied approaches to understanding social issues. Students have opportunities for internships, research, and study-abroad programs.
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DePaul University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with concentrations in health and human services, law and criminal justice, and urban sociology. The program includes internship opportunities in the vibrant city of Chicago.
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Bradley University: Offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sociology that emphasizes research, social justice, and community engagement. The program includes opportunities for fieldwork and faculty-led research.
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Illinois State University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a focus on social behavior, diversity, and research methods. The program offers internships and opportunities to collaborate on faculty research projects.
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Loyola University Chicago: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with concentrations in social justice, inequality, and urban studies. The program provides extensive opportunities for research and internships in Chicago.
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Chicago State University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that emphasizes applied sociology, research, and community development. Students gain practical experience through internships and service-learning projects.
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Illinois offers a variety of excellent sociology degree programs with flexible, affordable, and accelerated options. Whether you prefer online learning or traditional classroom settings, there are numerous opportunities to study sociology and build a rewarding career in social services, human resources, research, and public policy.